Page 49 of My Pleasure

“Yes, Aunt Myra,” Rory said as they sat down.

Hunter started with his eldest cousin. “Augustus Armstrong, he’s Graham’s age. He’s a lawyer. Second eldest is Rory Armstrong, public relations. Then there’s Connor, he’s my age, he’s the contracts guy. Finally, the baby, Eoin, he’s Ewan’s age and he’s the face.”

“I’ll say,” Genevieve whispered.

Eoin smiled. “You ladies know how to make us poor bear-shifters feel welcome.”

Augustus passed the paper down to Rory, who looked it over. “Mediocre work, at best. Give me a day and I’ll counter this.” He stood, removed his jacket, and rolled up his sleeves.

Meryn whimpered.

All the men at this point looked confused.

“He did the forearm thing,” Kiera whispered.

Hunter would think his cousin was innocent, but Rory was smiling as he read the paper.

“Meryn!” Aiden barked.

Augustus looked up, eyes narrowing. “Don’t be upset with her. If our small, playful efforts affect them so, that means you all have taken them for granted and stopped trying to woo them. That means you are lacking.”

Aiden sat back looking gobsmacked. “You’re right. We’ve been so busy going from crisis to crisis, I’ve been remiss in my duties as her mate.”

Meryn shook her head as if to clear it. “Does ‘plausible deniability’ apply to you as my lawyer?”

Augustus smiled. “No, darling. You can tell me everything.”

“That doesn’t mean you can flirt,” Aiden said.

“I’m just being pleasant,” Augustus countered.

Meryn gave a single nod. “I like them.”

Kendrick drank his wine. “You would.”

Connor held up his plate as Ryuu served him three large servings of shells. “She’s quick.”

Caiden shook his head. “Were you testing us or her?”

“Testing is such a strong term,” Augustus said, helping himself to the bread.

“It was more like showing us what they can do,” Meryn explained.

Rory gave a distracted nod as he flipped to the next page of the newspaper.

“And, we really want to stay on your good side, Princess,” Augustus said. “We met you as the King of the Fae dropped to his knees to beg for mercy. It has become our top priority to keep you happy.”

“Darian loves me,” Meryn announced confidently.

Keran nodded. “That’s what brothers do,” he said, sagely.

Augustus laughed. “You are absolutely right, young one.”

Hunter pointed. “That’s my son.”

Augustus’ smile froze before he looked at his ma. “Aunt Myra is he telling the truth?”

His ma pointed to Kiera. “I wanted to surprise you boys. This is Hunter’s mate Kiera Sorrel and her brother and sister, Keran and Nicol. They call Hunter, Dad.”